Rather than convert your Group Instances to reference a different Group Template if configuration requirements change, consider whether you can achieve the required configuration changes by using Abstract items in the existing Group Template. In the relevant Group Instance(s), you can then convert the Abstract items into the required type of point or outstation. In those Group Instances in which the Abstract items are surplus to requirements, leave those Abstract items unconverted so that they are effectively ignored by ClearSCADA. For more information, see Types of Abstract Item, and see Add an Abstract Item to a Group Template.
You can convert an Instance of one Group Template so that it becomes an Instance of a different Group Template.
UNEXPECTED BEHAVIOR OF APPLICATION
Take care when considering whether to convert a Group Instance to reference a different Group Template. Before using the conversion feature, be aware of the following:
- Configuration that is not replicated in both Group Templates will be lost following the conversion process.
- Identically named database items have to exist within both Templates in order for those items to be preserved in the Instance. Those items that are replicated in both Templates will take on the values specified in whichever Group Template the Instance references.
- For points that exist in both Templates (and so are preserved in the Instance), historic data will be retained following the conversion. This will occur providing that the points in both Templates are configured to store data historically, and the Historic Data storage feature is enabled on your system's servers.
- Any configuration that has been specified in the Instance, rather than in the Template, will be preserved only if the configuration properties are enabled for overriding in both Templates, and only if those items are identically named in both Templates.
- Any items that have been added locally to the Instance (they did not exist in the Template to which the Instance referenced), will be lost following the conversion process.
To convert a Group Instance so that it references a different Group Template (read the notice above before following this procedure):
- Display the Database Bar (see Display an Explorer Bar).
- In the Database Bar, right-click on the Group Instance that you want to convert.
A context sensitive menu is displayed. - Select the Convert To option.
A further menu is displayed. - Select the Instance Of option.
A list of existing Group Templates is displayed.(If any of your Group Templates are stored in Group directories off the root group, further level(s) of menu option are displayed—select the required directory name in order to display the list of Group Templates.)
- Select the option for the Group Template that you want the Instance to reference
- Select Yes at the prompt to confirm that you want to convert the Group Instance.
The Group Instance is converted to reference the selected Group Template. Any configuration that is not replicated both in name and type within both Templates will be lost. (For other restrictions, see above.) - Expand the Group Instance in the Database Bar.
- Specify any Instance-specific configuration that is required for the database items within the Instance (refer to the appropriate configuration sections within the ClearSCADA documentation for information).
Further Information
For information about which tuned alarm limit settings are retained following a 'Copy', 'Convert To', or 'Create Instance' procedure that impacts on a point with tuned limits, see Tune Alarm Limits.